ROME — A 27-year-old man is accused of biting his cousin on the cheek during a fight in Rome early Sunday morning, according to officials at the Rome Police Department.

Police said Eric P. Rivera, of Rome, was in a fight with his male cousin at a residence on Vine Place at about 6 a.m. Sunday.

During the scuffle, police said Rivera bit his cousin on the cheek and punched him in the face several times.

Rivera was located a short distance away and was taken into custody.

Police said Rivera is charged with one count of third-degree assault.

He is scheduled to appear in Rome City Court.